Concert Harp CD Spring

[The playing is] sensitive and the interpretation beautiful, refreshing and wonderful to hear. — Valerie Green, the host of the radio program Harpestry, 2008.

Tomoko Sugawara, a harpist of solid reputation, has released her CD. Every tune in this new collection is a significant part of any professional harpist's repertoire. The program begins with La Source by Hasselmans and it is played in enchanting, gorgeous tones. Next is Tomoko's successful presentation of Ebb Tide. On hearing the elegant selection Variations on a Mozart theme by Glinka, you will understand that no one can play it so beautifully. Her specialty, Irish Folk Songs, are introduced in pleasant duets of harp and flute. The next two pieces composed by Ibert sparkle with Tomoko’s sensitivity, making them even more beautiful and luxuriant. The Salzedo, Debussy and Turnier pieces that follow are also fascinating. _The harp is called queen of instruments for its graceful shape and sounds. It is so delicate, even moody and hard to handle that it annoys its players at times. Tomoko’s harp seems to be part of her body and she can make it sing just as she wishes. Her sincere enjoyment of the sounds allows the audience to imagine the world as she sees it. Her warm nature, artistic quality and prodigious talent give her listeners a relaxed, heartwarming feeling. I hope this CD will be enjoyed by people the world over. I am proud to say that this CD has already become a memorable album. — Sumire Kuwajima, Harpist and Professor of Tokyo University of fine art, 1997

This is the debut album of the young harpist Tomoko Sugawara. Although young, she has long been active internationally and exudes calmness and confidence in her performance. The selection draws from both the standard and non-standard repertoire. Among the former are Glinka’s variations on a theme by Mozart, La Source by Hasselmans, Au Matin by Turnier, and Chanson dans la nuit, Tango, and Rumba by Salzedo Most of these are original harp pieces, unique and rich in sprit. Some, like Clair de Lune by Debussy and Ebb Tide by Maxwell, are arranged pieces. There are also ensemble pieces, Entr’acte and Deux Interludes for flute and violin by Ibert. Tomoko Sugawara has a fine technique and an excellent ability to bring out the melody and emphasize its structure. In addition, I like to mention her suppleness and flexibility. I am happy to report that a new promising player has appeared in the harp world. In particular, I would single out Deux Interludes which have received few recordings, although one imagine there should be many. — Shigeru Hamada, Japanese music journal Record Art (December 1996)

Kugo CD Along the Silk Road
[Guided by the] pioneering artistry of the harpist Tomoko Sugawara, you will witness the resurrection of music for the ancient kugo harp. This is a musical instrument that has been widely loved over thousands of years from the furthest corners of the Mediterranean, through the Near East, Central Asia, through China, the Korean peninsula, and ultimately captured in the cul-de-sac of Japan at the very end of the continent. — Professor Barbara Ruch, Director – Institute for Medieval Japanese Studies at Columbia University.

She was sheer delight, becoming both the instrument and the music as she played, and it was a privilege to hear her. — Irene Winter, Professor of Harvard University. June 2009 at Boston Early Music Festival